Cancer survivors’ meet spreads the message of never-say-die spirit

NEW DELHI: A cancer survivors’ meet was organised by Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), Niti Bagh, New Delhi turned out to be a vivid saga of grit, determination, and positive outlook while battling the dreaded disease.

Aptly titled ‘Faith over Fear’, cancer survivors who were feted as cancer warriors narrated their inspiring tales of keeping faith in the most trying of times. The meet was organised as a part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of RGCIRC.

“Cancer warriors undergo several traumas including psychological, physical and financial. A meeting with these survivors is always a humbling experience. At RGCIRC we take their suggestions seriously and even incorporate them in treatment modalities and improving facilities,” said D.S. Negi, CEO, RGCIRC.

“Pain management is a focus area for us as some patients undergo excruciating pain. The Department of Pain management is doing very well as a special modality. Prevention of cancer through screening is another area that we are putting a strong emphasis on. RGCIRC has picked villages in its vicinity where cancer screening is done regularly, people with precancerous stages are spotted and free treatment is provided,” added Negi.

“Being a not-for-profit centre puts us at an advantage of deploying resources in acquiring new technologies and equipment and providing state-of-the-art treatment at affordable rates. The value system of patient centricity ingrained by our founders continues to reflect in our working,” said Rakesh Chopra, Chairman, Governing Council, RGCIRC.

“In the last 25 years, we have witnessed a transformation in the treatment of cancer. Today, cancer is largely curable especially if detected in the early stages. I can say that the level of medical treatment here is at par with the best cancer care centres in New York,” added Chopra.

“Those that have overcome cancer against all odds are the real heroes for all of us. It is unfortunate that even when they win over cancer, they are still stigmatised. For instance, young girls who have overcome cancer still face discrimination when it comes to marriage. The attitude of society needs a change,” said Padma Shri Prof. Dr Lalit Kumar, HOD – Medical Oncology IRCH, All India Institute of Medical sciences (AIIMS).

“We regularly hold cancer survivors’ meet to spread the message that positive attitude and faith can help one win over any challenge. Another message is early detection of cancer through screening which makes it immensely curable,” said Dr Gauri Kapoor, Medical Director, RGCIRC, Niti Bagh, New Delhi.

On the occasion, Dr Manish Sharma, Dr Leena Dadhwal, Dr Seema Singh, and Dr Sunny Malik, RGCIRC ,Niti Bagh, New Delhi, held an interactive session with the cancer survivors. Popular artist Surender Sharma regaled the audience with his humorous yet motivating talk.